Northern California with Yosemite National Park
Northern California with Yosemite National Park
$3450
Northern California with Yosemite National Park
8 Days Starting and ending in San Francisco, United States
Visiting: San Francisco, Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Monterey
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DANCZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern California, starting in the vibrant city of San Francisco. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural wonders, including a visit to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and a ferry cruise to Sausalito. Discover the rich flavors of Sonoma and Napa Valley with a wine tasting experience, and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe. Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Yosemite National Park, staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge, and explore the majestic Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Enjoy a farm-to-table experience in Monterey and learn about sustainable farming in the Salinas Valley. Conclude your adventure with a walk among the ancient redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and delightful meals, this tour promises an enriching and memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hello San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Accommodation Name: Beacon Grand
Meals Included: Dinner
From the iconic to the unexpected, the city of San Francisco never ceases to surprise. Kick-start your Northern California holiday in the cosmopolitan city by the Bay. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
Day 2: Dive Into Eclectic San Francisco
Location: San Francisco
Accommodation: The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Accommodation Name: Beacon Grand
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fuel up for a full day of indulging in San Francisco’s many sites. Admire the eclectic mix of Victorian and Modern architecture, vibrant culture, and cuisines of one of the world's most livable and iconic cities. Embark on a morning exploration tour that takes you from the lively hotspot of Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square. This afternoon offers a deeper look into two of the city’s iconic spots. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing ferry cruise to the quaint seaside community of Sausalito with time for shopping. This evening is at your leisure. Perhaps choose to join an optional guided walking tour of Chinatown including a delicious feast and a city illumination tour.
Day 3: Journey To Wine Country
Location: Sonoma
Accommodation: Flamingo Resort & Spa
Accommodation Name: Flamingo Resort & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start off your day with a guided Golden Gate Bridge walk across the 1.7-mile span of the magnificent "bridge that couldn't be built." As you gaze across the water (one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World), learn how this iconic engineering marvel was constructed. Continue to Sonoma Valley. Today, you'll visit a local winery and enjoy a unique experience and exploration of wine with a tasting. Enjoy an included lunch this afternoon with your fellow travelers.
Day 4: Entice Your Senses At Lake Tahoe
Location: Lake Tahoe
Accommodation: Harrah's Lake Tahoe
Accommodation Name: Harrah's Lake Tahoe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a visit to California's State Capitol before traveling through the scenic, fertile Sacramento River Valley to find yourself in the alpine splendor of Lake Tahoe. Its clear blue waters surrounded by evergreen pines and rocky outcrops provides you with a picturesque scenery to behold.
Day 5: Embrace The Wilderness Of Yosemite National Park Stays With Stories
Location: Yosemite National Park
Accommodation: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Accommodation Name: Yosemite Valley Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Touch the sky and embark on a scenic road-trip into the Sierra Nevada mountain range, winding along the Tioga Pass to California’s UNESCO-listed Yosemite National Park. Marvel at the incredible natural beauty that inspired naturalist John Muir to dub Yosemite Valley the “Incomparable Valley”, passing the colossal granite faces of El Capitan and the misty splendor of Bridalveil Fall. Tonight, our Stays with Stories brings us into the park at Yosemite Valley Lodge. Tioga Pass: weather conditions may cause Tioga Pass to be closed to traffic, typically from mid-October to the end of May. In this case, an alternate entry point to Yosemite will be used entering through the west side of the park. While this may not cause a change in overnight, sightseeing will be affected this day.
Day 6: Taste The California Difference Make Travel Matter Connect With Locals
Location: Monterey
Accommodation: Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Accommodation Name: Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, head to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (seasonal), home to over 500 mature trees and the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite National Park. Continue to Monterey where we’ll Connect With Locals and enjoy a Farm-to-Table Be My Guest experience including the freshest local ingredients. Meet Todd and Jordan Champagne who have been dedicated to providing simple, delicious and farm driven foods for the local community from their storefront Happy Girl Kitchen Co.
Day 7: Witness The Incredible California Coast Make Travel Matter
Location: Monterey
Accommodation: Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Accommodation Name: Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The pinch-me moments continue as we follow the sun-kissed California coast, cruising scenic 17-Mile Drive. Visit the Salinas Valley where you'll love this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with an agricultural education tour to learn about fruit, vegetables and advanced farming techniques. You'll visit one of the oldest family farms in Monterey County and taste a local delicacy. We return to Monterey, home to Cannery Row, immortalized in the John Steinbeck novel. You’ll have some time to unwind at your hotel or stroll through the streets of Monterey. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a festive Farewell Dinner.
Day 8: Take A Walk Through The Redwoods
Location: San Francisco
Meals Included: Breakfast
California’s towering redwoods provide an imposing backdrop for this morning. We continue to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park where we’ll have an opportunity to walk amongst these giants that have stood for over a thousand years. We return to the golden city of San Francisco where you might consider extending your stay. Complimentary airport drop off at San Francisco International Airport is scheduled for 1:00 PM. Please be aware when booking your flights.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
-
All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
-
Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with a fully air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey through Northern California's stunning landscapes, including scenic drives and ferry cruises, with all transport and transfers included.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and style with stays at the Beacon Grand in San Francisco, Flamingo Resort & Spa in Sonoma, Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa in Monterey, offering a blend of luxury and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in the Salinas Valley where you will join a Local Specialist for an agricultural education tour. Additionally, there is a Farm-to-Table Be My Guest experience at Happy Girl Kitchen in Monterey.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, including the Beacon Grand in San Francisco, Flamingo Resort & Spa in Santa Rosa, Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Yosemite Valley Lodge in Yosemite National Park, and Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa in Monterey.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and one lunch. There are also special dining experiences such as a Welcome Dinner and a Farewell Dinner.
-
What transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes all transport and transfers shown, with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
-
Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be guided tours including a morning exploration tour of San Francisco, a guided walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, and a visit to a local winery in Sonoma and Napa Valley.
-
What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Salinas Valley about?
In Salinas Valley, you will join a Local Specialist for an agricultural education tour to learn about fruit and vegetable production and advanced farming techniques. This experience supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
-
What activities are planned in Yosemite National Park?
In Yosemite National Park, you will embark on a scenic road-trip into the Sierra Nevada mountain range, pass by El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall, and stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge. You will also visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Friday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025Friday - Friday
May 02, 2025 - May 09, 2025Friday - Friday
May 09, 2025 - May 16, 2025Friday - Friday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Friday - Friday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Friday - Friday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Friday - Friday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Friday - Friday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Friday - Friday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions